Cloud, cars and IoT could change grid cybersecurity

The proliferation of connected devices including electric cars could provide grid operators with an operational view of cybersecurity threats and change the way the grid is secured, said Karen Evans, assistant secretary of the Energy Department’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response.

While experts generally consider the internet of things to be a risky ecosystem full of unsecured devices, Evans said there could be an upside. In remarks to researchers from CESER’s Cybersecurity for Energy Delivery Systems (CEDS) program on Nov. 6, Evans said a growing fleet of connected electric-powered vehicles “could become sensors” to provide cybersecurity situational awareness.